| p>Many names are associated with events such | | | | be accepted. Are you only accepting cash? Do |
| as these. Craft Fairs, Bazaars, Flea Markets and | | | | you have the ability to accept credit cards? Are |
| Swap Meets are a few names you can find. | | | | you going to take checks? Does your bank |
| Whatever the name...they all mean the same | | | | accept check from customers out of the area? |
| thing. They allow you to meet new and interesting | | | | 6. Make a lead box. Lead boxes can be a great |
| people (hopefully customers), spend quality time | | | | way to gain a mailing list, future or even repeat |
| with your family and more of course most | | | | customers. One thing you can do with you lead |
| importantly make some extra cash. But, before | | | | box is hold a contest. An easy way to make a |
| you debut your first table at one of these | | | | lead box is to take an ordinary cardboard box, |
| events, getting yourself prepared is the first step. | | | | cover it in decorative contact paper and cut a slit |
| The following is a guideline you can follow to help | | | | in the top. Print out entry forms with blanks for |
| make sure you're ready. | | | | name, address, phone number and email address. |
| 1. First of course you'll want to find events that | | | | Of course if you offer catalog parties or home |
| are held in your area. This is about the easiest | | | | parties, be sure to have a place asking if they're |
| task of all. You're sure to find them everywhere. | | | | interested in holding one. |
| Check you local newspaper, browse bulletin | | | | 7. Set up your display at home to get a feel of |
| boards, and watch for fliers. | | | | how it will look at the event. By doing this you |
| 2. Next, attend a few local events yourself. Take | | | | can take your time in arranging and re-arranging |
| a look around and view things from a customer's | | | | your display so you'll be ready for the event. The |
| point of view. Which tables caught your eye first | | | | look and feel of your display has a large impact |
| and why? What sort of products/merchandise is | | | | on your sales. |
| being carried? Most importantly, what's isn't there? | | | | 8. Recruit family members. You can make your |
| Try to visualize how you'd like your table to look. | | | | events more family-friendly by assigning |
| 3. Once you've found the event you'd like to | | | | everyone a job. Spouses are great for helping |
| attend, reserve your table. Most events have an | | | | un-loading and loading your merchandise, setting |
| event manager. Find out who's in charge and | | | | up and tearing down your display. Spouse also |
| contact them. Pricing will vary from one event to | | | | come in handy to "watch your table" if you need |
| the next. Be sure to find out the average | | | | to step away. Smaller children can help bag/box |
| attendance to make sure it's worth the money. | | | | up products that are sold, hand out business cards |
| Don't forget to ask questions such as the | | | | and catalogs or even meet and greet customers. |
| availability of electricity (if needed), the size of | | | | Don't forget to bring along some fun things for |
| your "booth", anything forbidden? | | | | children incase of the dreaded boredom. |
| 4. Make sure you have enough inventory. Stock | | | | 9. Put on a smile. Don't just sit behind your table |
| up on catalogs, brochures and business cards. | | | | looking bored. Smile and greet visitors as they |
| Make a list of all the supplies you'll need. Are you | | | | walk by or more importantly "stop in". Ask them |
| going to have samples available? You can find a | | | | if they're enjoying the event, how they're doing. |
| printable check-list at | | | | Be friendly. |
| 5. Decide what types of payments are going to | | | | 10. Have fun! |